In the frozen wastes north of Russia, a lone seaward vessel seeks the elusive Northwest Passage. Suddenly they sight a dog sled with a gargantuan figure in the shape of a man, driving the dogs northward to sure oblivion.

In the dark depths of the bottomless sea dwells a white demon, taking shape as the Leviathan known as Moby Dick. One year ago, the malefic brute crunched off the leg of the ungodly Captain Ahab, who now swears revenge.

The spectral hellhound, which dogs the descendants of the Baskerville family, has claimed another victim. The ancient legend, and the modern murderous facts are placed before the great Sherlock Holmes.

Horne Fisher is extremely well connected, and a brilliant detective. Whether it is a case of police corruption, or a war with Sweden, Horne Fisher can always solve it. But Horne Fisher is also a philosopher, and the murderer is seldom punished.